Alice Austen House

Let's get technical!

Director of Collections, Kristine Allegretti breaks down Alice's photography on a technical level.

Capturing Alice's world

Alice Austen’s life and relationships with other women are crucial to an understanding of her work. Until very recently many interpretations of Austen’s work overlooked her intimate relationships. What is especially significant about Austen’s photographs is that they provide rare documentation of intimate relationships between Victorian women. Her non-traditional lifestyle and that of her friends, although intended for private viewing, is the subject of some of her most critically acclaimed photographs. Executive Director, Victoria Munro and Director of Collections Kristine Allegretti share more.

Crafting a Victorian dream home

John Austen’s architectural transformation of his home from a simple 18th-century Dutch farmhouse into a Victorian Gothic cottage was extensive. On the roof, he added dormer windows embellished with Victorian bargeboards and birdhouse finials. Decorative cresting and octagonal chimney pots added to the picturesque silhouette. Director of Collections Kristine Allegretti shares more.

Staten Island through the years

Alice Austen documented her life on Staten Island and boldly ventured onto the streets of Manhattan to photograph the activities of immigrants and the working class. Director of Collections, Kristine Allegretti shares more.

A legacy of green

Alice Austen House and its surrounding park and gardens are nationally designated sites of LGBTQ+ significance, having been occupied for 30 years by Alice and her loving partner, Gertrude Tate. Executive Director, Victoria Munroe and Director of Collections, Kristine Allegretti share more.